ABSTRACT
The influence of self-selected information ecosystems in the networked era goes beyond simply increasing the likelihood that false information will be published and accepted as truthful within certain virtual communities. Networked communication tools have helped contribute to the creation of echo chambers in which identities are cultivated and reinforced by selected sources of information and a variety of strongly and weakly tied relationships with similar others in virtual communities. The ingredients that go into identity formation change when networked communication tools become a significant part of individuals' interactions with others, which in turn influences how individuals represent themselves. In the network era, traditional news organizations no longer provide a shared understanding regarding the basic issues and concerns that face a community or a nation, thus reducing what individuals have in common. Individuals are using networked communication tools to convey crucial information via social media, blogs, websites, and other tools.
